Category: General

Spike guards are one of the most neglected components when it comes to building a computer. Most folks get a cheap local brand for their high end rigs. They are unaware of the dangers of using a cheap spike guard. They don’t know a cheap spike guard make knock off the precious components inside their computers during a power surge. Even I used a cheap spike guard till now but then I realized its better to get a good one as I would not like any bad things happening to my computer components or worse still losing my precious photographs.

I had decided to get a good spike guard & it was really easy to get one as most cheap ones can be easy to spot. MX was a good brand but it had many fakes at the Lamington Road(The computer hub in Mumbai) so I decided to get one from economy series of Belkin. My requirement was of four sockets but then I went with six sockets as for future proofing.

Who doesn’t likes surprises? Recently, I was in for a surprise when a Feature Writer from Better Photography magazine messaged me. It was for acquiring permission to publish my one of my photograph in their upcoming issue.

Naturally, who the hell would decline such a lucrative offer considering such a reputed magazine approaches on its own. Its a big honour for me as I never dreamt about such a thing so early in my photography career. The excitement here is much bigger than when a photograph you send for critique or for other purpose gets published. I sent the photograph & here it is published in the Better Photography August 2011 issue.(If you’ve the magazine, checkout page no.53 of BP August 2011 issue)

It feels highly motivated & the self-confidence sky rockets even more considering I’m able to produce great photographs with my limited equipment. Only I know how much efforts were gone into making this particular shot. It feels just awesome considering my photographs have never been published in any photography magazine. It was a good move from the Better Photography team & I hope they continue to showcase good work of other less renowned/small/non-professional photographers. This will not only boost their confidence but also help them gain some exposure. Now my next goal would be to get published again, again & yet again! :)

An umbrella helps one to shield from rain or sun. An umbrella for a photographer does more than the above. Recently, I purchased a new umbrella for my photographic needs & off-course to shield me against the Mumbai monsoons.

Strong – No doubt a stronger umbrella will hold good for long time. I also wanted to make sure the umbrella could withstand some knocks during my photography shoots in addition to braving gutsy monsoon winds. For this, I picked up an umbrella having ten spokes(or whatever they are called) for added strength. The normal ones have 7-8 spokes.

Silver coated from inside – The silver coating from inside not only helps to avoid seepage of water inside umbrella but also makes the umbrella acts as a photographic umbrella for shoots.

Big in size – The umbrella is big in size & so I can easily shelter someone during rains without either of us getting half drenched. Another positive was that I wanted a big umbrella so it could act as a large source of light which we all know is great when it comes to photography.

The umbrella cost me Rs.350 & I feel its money well spent. So the next time you go out to buy a photography umbrella get an rainy umbrella or vice-versa like I did. This strengthen my belief that one doesn’t necessarily needs pro grade equipment’s for photography & at times its fun when you hack something from your regular stuff to help you satisfy your photography(or for the matter of fact any) needs. :)

“Shoot in Aperture Priority at f/8.0″ – This is the advice which most budding photo journalist receive during some stage of their career. Sure its a sound advise but its not a complete advise. Photojournalism requires much more.

Today in evening, I happened to be at the bomb blast zone near Kabootar Khana in Dadar(w). As always, I had the camera with me. The decision to visit the blast zone was an instinctive out of curiosity. Once I reached the spot, I realized the gravity of the situation. People running, traffic jams, crowding, rumors flying such was the state of the area.

I was with a friend & we both were on phone communicating the incident back home. I was shaken by the sight & felt a pang of danger in air. While I was there, I wanted to shoot some photos but decided not to & left the area with a brief video footage. Primary reason being I was a bit shaken and secondly my friend & family asked me to return home quickly. This incident has increased my respect for photojournalists manifold times. These guys seriously risk their life to bring the news as fast as possible for general public. It needs a heart of steel & guts of a soldier. In fact, these photo journalists(there are war photographers too) are no smaller than war soldiers.

I don’t aspire to become a photojournalist. Not because I’m scared by such incidents but since I’m not much fond of this genre. It requires a lot on part of photographers & only those who possess it will be successful. Seriously, Photojournalism is not a piece of cake as most make it. Hats off to all photojournalists.

Every photographer definitely has or will encounter resistance from the protectors of law and order once during his lifetime. I’ve been caught number of times too. I wonder at times, why do they suspect only the innocent photographers?

As a photographer, we always try to strive for perfection – ‘The Decisive Moment’. For that we need the perfect angle for the stellar composition. We need to position ourselves in crowded markets,on busy streets & almost anywhere as a great photograph knows no location. While doing our job most of us take care as not to invade in private space, place which is a probable target for terrorist. We even oblige to follow the rules & not shoot in areas where photography is prohibited. Particularly if you’re photographing in India you might be familiar with the bribe policy of cops. You want to take a photo? Alright, stuff the wallet of the cop with cash & he will let you do your work without any further interference. Rich photographers will not mind doing it but for someone like me who doesn’t earns as of yet will surely have no option but to packup & leave the place.Continue reading →

365 Project

It would be great if you can join me there as that would make you a better photographer. Also, feel free to check out my photos daily & give your feedback. Hope my photos inspire you to shoot everyday. :)